Butterfly-bush

Description:

Irish Name: Tor an fhéileacáin This is a perennial shrub which seems to grow just about anywhere – waste ground, embankments, even on the rooftops of old or derelict buildings and, of course, in the gardens of those wishing to encourage and admire Butterflies. It's a loose, lanky shrub which branches from ground level. From June to September it carries long, conical spikes of 4-lobed pinkish-mauve flowers (3-4mm across) which have a small orange 'eye' and which are heavily scented. Its lanceolate, opposite leaves are grey-green and the arching stems are light coloured, appearing somewhat cracked. This shrub can reach a height of 4 metres. It is not a native but an introduction from China and it belongs to the family Buddlejaceae.

Notes:

If you are interested in attracting Butterflies into your garden, this is the shrub to have. It only requires to be pruned hard in spring and should you want to grown it from a cutting, winter is the time to take hardwood cuttings from it.